Shell Drill: Defending Down Screens
This is a four-on-four shell drill works on defending down screens. There are three components to an off ball down
screen: the passer, the screener, and the receiver. Defenders must “talk” and coordinate their efforts in attacking these
three players. Switching automatically on down screens eliminates any hesitation or indecision on the part of the
defenders and is the most effective way to attack the passing lanes. It also has the advantage of keeping small
defenders outside and “Bigs” inside. However, opening up and pulling the receiver’s defender through, and chasing
out with the screener’s defender “Showing & Recovering” are also very viable techniques to defend down screens.
For the purpose of this drill incorporate the best technique that fits your own defensive philosophy.
When ball handler O1 makes a guard to guard pass and down
screens for O3, X1 and X3 automatically switch with X1
aggressively attacking the passing lane. Defender X4 closes out
to a pass denial on O4 and X2 pressures the ball handler O2.
When O3 makes a guard to guard pass and down screens for
O1, X1and X3 automatically switch with X1 aggressively
attacking the passing lane. Defender X4 assumes a pass denial
position on O2, and X2 pressures the ball handler O4.
When ball handler O2 makes a guard to guard pass and
down screens for O4, X2 and X4 automatically switch with
X2 aggressively attacking the passing lane. Defender X3
assumes a pass denial position on O1, while X1 pressures
the ball handler O3.
Once the proper techniques used against down screens are
checked, offense moves the ball with guard to guard passes.
Defenders allow the guard to guard passes. Talking &
communicating is an important element of this drill.
Alternative Methods of Combating Down Screens
Defending down screens using the “Open Up & Pull Through”
method. This technique keeps defenders matched up to the
specific opponent.
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Defending down screens employing the chase out ‐ “Show & Recover” technique. This technique is best use on ballside down screens. ©2015 HoopTactics™ All Rights Reserved.